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The Railway Touring Company · Steam day trip
The Buxton Spa Express
Steam day trip from London to the Peak District spa town of Buxton
The Railway Touring Company's Buxton Spa Express is a one-day steam excursion from London into the Peak District of Derbyshire. Departing Ealing Broadway, the train travels via diesel to Leicester through the Midlands, where the LMS Stanier Class Black 5 No.44871 steam locomotive takes over for the journey westward through the Hope Valley and Peak Forest lines to Buxton. The route passes the stone quarry at Tunstead and Ashwood Dale before arriving in Buxton, England's highest market town, famous for its Georgian spa architecture, Pump Room, and the Crescent. Passengers disembark for just over an hour to explore the town before heading back to London by the same route. Three dining tiers are available, from Standard reserved seating to Premier Dining with a full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts drawn to heritage locomotives, and those seeking a memorable meal journey in one day.
What to know before you look closer
- Only one departure date is currently listed: May 2026.
- Buxton exploration time is limited to just over an hour before the return journey.
Day by day
- Day 1rail
The Buxton Spa Express
Diesel-hauled from Ealing Broadway via St Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering to Leicester, where steam locomotive No.44871 takes over via the Hope Valley and Peak Forest lines to Buxton, before returning by the same route.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1LMS Stanier Class Black 5 No.44871 takes over at Leicester and hauls the train through the Hope Valley and Peak Forest lines past Tunstead quarry and Ashwood Dale.
- Day 1Passengers have just over an hour to explore Buxton, the highest market town in England, and view its Georgian Pump Room and Crescent architecture.
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. The Railway Touring Company operates the entire day trip, including diesel service from Ealing Broadway to Leicester and steam-hauled service through the Peak District. The from-price of GBP 120 (Standard) covers the rail journey and reserved seating.
- What locomotive operates this trip?
- LMS Stanier Class Black 5 No.44871, a steam locomotive, hauls the train from Leicester to Buxton via the Hope Valley and Peak Forest lines.
- How much time is spent in Buxton?
- Just over an hour is available to explore Buxton before the return journey begins.
- What meals are included?
- Standard fares include a reserved seat at a table for four. First Class adds morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and muffin, plus afternoon tea or coffee with a savoury and scone. Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner, freshly prepared on board and silver-served.
- Which stations can passengers join from?
- The train departs Ealing Broadway and also stops at St Albans City, Luton, Bedford, Kettering, and Leicester, where passengers may board or alight.
- When does this trip operate?
- One departure is confirmed for May 2026. Confirm future dates and availability with The Railway Touring Company before booking.
